H2 Activation by Non-Transition-Metal Systems: Hydrogenation of Aldimines and Ketimines with LiN(SiMe3 )2

Abstract

In recent years, H₂ activation at non-transition-metal centers has met with increasing attention. Here, a system in which H₂ is activated and transferred to aldimines and ketimines using substoichiometric amounts of lithium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide is reported. Notably, the reaction tolerates the presence of acidic protons in the α-position. Mechanistic investigations indicated that the reaction proceeds via a lithium hydride intermediate as the actual reductant.

Keywords: aldimines; catalytic hydrogenation; hydrides; ketimines; main group elements.